dination, and yet they themselves judge a Presbyterian-Ordination invalid. But 2. What if this fhould be granted? it would avail nothing, except it can be proved, that they are and act as Presbyters of the Inftitution of Chrift, which (thefe being only in a particular. inftitued Church of Chrift) will never be to the worlds end. Thus far of the third Argument.

CHA P. IV.

A fourth Argument, proving the unlawfulness of hearing the prefent Ministers of England. A twofold denial of the Offices of Christ,afferted. That the prefent Ministers deny his Kingly and Prophetical Office, proved from their Non-conformity to the Orders and Ordinances appointed by Christ for his House. Several Inftitutions of Chrift remarked: Their Non-Conformity thereunto, manifefted. An Objection answer

ed.

Argument 4.

Hofe that oppugn or deny any of the Offices of Jefus Chrift, are not to be heard, but feparated from: but the prefent Minifters of England oppugn and deny fome of the Offices of Jefus Chrift: Therefore.

Before we come to clear the feveral parts of this Argument, we fhall crave liberty breifly to premife,

First, That there is a twofold denying or oppugning of the Offices of Chrift.

1. Verbal and Profeffional. Such was, and is that of the Jews; the Papists are not guilty hereof; in words they own, preach up, plead for all the Offices of Chrift as much as any: So do alfo the prefent Minifters of England: This is not then the denial of the Offices of. Chrift we implede them as guilty.of.

2. Real and actual, when perfons do that which enwraps in the bowels of it,an impugning and denial of the Offices of Chrift. This the Romish Synagogue are eminently guilty of: So are the prefent Mi-nifters of England, as fhall (we doubt not) be clearly demonstrated in its proper place.

Secondly, That a Verbal Profeffional acknowledgement of the Offices of Chrift is nothing, when contradicted in practice: This the Apoftle avowedly afferts, in refpect of the knowledge of God, Tit. 1. 16. They profeß they know God, but in works they deny him: And

may

may congruoufly enough be applied to the matter in hand. This, as applied to the Combination and Synagogue of Rome, fome of themfelves have long fince acknowledged, Whilft they profefs Chrift to be King, and fubmit not to the Laws he hath prefcribed in his Word, they make him an Idol, and put a Scepter of reed in his hand : So fome of their own.

But I interrogate; What if a man fhould with the greatest earnestnefs profefs, and in the height of a confident Spirit aver, That he were Born again of God, Washed, Sanctified in the Blood of Chrift, and by the Spirit of the Lord, that he did receive and own Chrift as his King and Lawgiver, when I fee this man at the fame time walking in a way of Rebellion against Chrift, in open contempt and defiance of his Laws and Government, fubjecting to the Yoak of other Lords and Lawgivers; Shall his Plea be admitted? furely no!

Quid verba audiam, cum facta videam.

Tis long fince decided by Chrift, That Falfe-Prophets are to be defcried, Not by their words (they may speak like Angels,cry Hail Ma fter, kiß him, yet be Falfe Prophets, yea Fudaßes to him) but by their fruits: Let them profess a thousand times over, That they own all the Offices of Christ, if they are in the mean while found in the practife of thofe things that are inconfiftent with the truth of fuch aProfeffion, they are really Deniers and Oppofers of the Offices of Chrift. This is that then we affirm in this matter. 1. That those that do really oppofe any of the Offices of Chrift, are not to be heard, but, feparated from: This carrying a brightnefs along with it,that is fufficient to convince all, except fuch, whofe eyes the god of this world hath blinded; that its original is from God, we fhall take for granted will not be denied by a Profeffing Enlightened People, though otherwife it were eafie to multiply Arguments for its demonftration. 1. To oppofe Chrift in any of his Offices, befpeaks fuch as are guilty there-, of to be Antichrists, 1 John 2. 22. and 4. 2, 3. 2 John 7. (of the fame mind with us herein is learned Beza upon the forecited Scriptures) and none will furely be fo inconfiderate (not to fay worse) as to affert, It's lawful to attend upon the Miniftry of Antichrift. 2. To hear fuch, is to ftrengthen and encourage them in that their denial of, and oppofition unto, the Offices of Christ; and thereby become partakers with them in their fin: The thought of which, cannot but be grievous to the poor Lambs of Christ. But this will not be denied.

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'Tis the second thing may found harth in the ears of fome (as did fome Sayings of Chrift, but if Truth, where God fhall give the feeing. eye and hearing eare, 'twill be received) viz.

2. That the prefent Ministers of England do oppofe and deny fome of the Offices of Christ, viz. His Kingly and Prophetical Office, which we come now to the proof of.

Argument. I.

Thofe that hearken not to the Revelation Chrift hath made, and as Supream Lord and Law-giver, hath enjoyned to be observed touching the Orders and Ordinances of his Houfe,deny the Prophetical and Kingly Office of Chrift, Deut. 18. 18. Acts 3.22. Ifa. 9. 6. But the prefent Minifters of England hearken and conform not to the Revelation Chrift hath made touching the Orders and Ordinances of his Houfe: Therefore.

Tis the minor (or fecond Propofition) that in the thoughts of fome is capable of a denial, but the verity thereof fhines forth as the Sun in its brightness, in the review of the Orders and Ordinances of the Houfe of Chrift appointed by himself; and the prefent frame and deportment of the Minifters of England with refpect thereunto :Which of them have they not made void by their Traditions? This is that which Chrift hath faid, (1.) That all power for the Calling, Inftitution, Order and Government of his Church, is invefted folely in him, as the alone Lord, Sovereign-Ruler, and Head thereof, Mat. 28.19. 1 Tim. 6. 14, 15. John 3.35. Acts 3. 22. and 5. 31. Tis upon this foot of account that Chrift chargeth his Difciples, not to be called of men Rabbi, nor to call any Father (viz. not to impofe their Authority upon any, or fuffer themfelves to be impofed upon by any in the matters of their God) Mat. 23. 8, 9, 10. becaufe one is their Master and Lord(viz. Christ) Hence alfo the Apoftles lay the weight of their Exhortations upon the Commandment of Chrift, 1 Cor. 11. 23. and 14. 37. proclaim all to be accurfed that preach any other Gospel, Gal. 1.8. (yea though Angels from Heaven, hould they live and fpeak as fuch) charge thofe to whom they write, Not to receive any into their houfes that bring any other Doctrine (much more not to receive them as their Teachers) 2 John 10 yea, the Spirit of the Lord in the clofe of the laft Revelation of his Will, it pleafed this great King and Lawgiver, in fuch a way to give forth; teftifies, That if any man fhall adde unto thefe things, the Lord fhall adde unto him the Plagues that are

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written in his Book, Rev. 22. 18. Do the prefent Minifters of England conform unto this great Inftitution? in words indeed they do fo: But what meaneth the bleating of the sheep, and lowing of the Oxen in our ears? Do they not own other Lords, Heads and Governors, that have a Law-making power, and would enforce the consciences of the Free-born Subjects of Chrift over his Churches, befides him? What doth this less than evidently proclaim their disobedience and rebellion (which is as the fin of witchcraft) against the KING of Kings, and their rejection of his Scepter and Soveraign Authority over them! But of this more hereafter.

2. This great Prophet and King hath alfo revealed and proclaimed, That 'tis bis Will, that those whom he hath called by his Word,fhould Separate from the world, walk together in particular Societies and Churches, having given up themselves to the Lord and one another according to the Will of God, for their mutual Edification and comfort in the Lord. The truth of this Soveraign Inftitution of Chrift, he that runs may reade in the Scriptures hereunto annexed, 1 Cor. 1. 2. and 5. 12. 2 Cor. 6. 17. Rev. 18. 4. John 15. 19. and 17. 6. Acts 2. 40. and 19.9. Phil. 1. 5. Act. 2. 41. and 17.4. 2 Cor.8.5. with many more. In the proof of this matter we might be copious, but that we study brevity: The diligent Reader knows where to find this theam, at large treated of by learned Ainsworth, Bartlet, Cotten, Rogers, &c. How do the Minifters of England acquit themselves, in respect of this Solemn Appointment of the Lord? alas! who fees not that they are in their practice at open defiance herewith, have it in derifion and contempt, making no difference betwixt the Holy and Prophane, admitting perfons led captive by the Devil at his will, that openly blaspheme the Spirit of the Lord, and deride its effectual opperation in the confciences of men, into their Society? Are any too vile (except fuch as truly fear God, and defire to prefs after Holiness) to be admitted by them into their Communion? Is not their Church-State (fo unlike is it to the Inftitution of Christ) a very Babel, a Den of Dragons, and Hold of Unclean-Beafts?

3. That he hath entrusted them,fo called and united together, with Power, and given them Rules for the due and right exerting thereof, for the carring on the Worship of his Houfe, to chufe Officers over them to act in the Holy Things of God for and to them (of which more fhall be spoken in its proper place) to admit Membeis, excommu

nicate Offenders, &c. all which we find fhining forth in brightness. in the enfuing Scriptures, Act. 1. 23. and 6.3,5. and 14.23.2 Cor. 8. 19. Mat. 18. 17. 1 Cor. 5.4. Do the prefent Minifters of Eng.. land conform unto this Inftitution of Chrift? nothing lefs; is there any thing like this in the whole oeconomie invented and practifed by them? do they not to the utmost of their power, labour to break this Bond of Chrift afunder, caft away this Cord from them, by stirring up the Magiftrate to perfecute by Fines, Imprisonments, Banishment, &c. the precious People of the Lord, that defire to be found. in the practice of this Law of Chrift, branding them with the odious names of Phanaticks, Sectaries, Schifmaticks, &s.

4. That the Officers of his appointment are only fuch as these, Paftors, Teachers, Elders, Deacons, Widdows or Helpers: Who as they are in one particular Congregation, fo they have not any Lordfhip or lordly Authority over each other, being all Brethren, Ephef. 4. 11. Rom. 12. 7. and 16, 1, 1 Cor. 12. 28. Phil. 1. 1. 1 Pet. 5. 1, 2, 3. Acts 6.5. and 15. 2. and 20. 17. and 28. 21, 28, 1 Tim. 3 chap. and 5.9, 10, 17. This Law of Chrift fo clearly revealed in the Scripture, they are fo far from fubjecting to, that they have neither the name nor thing required by him therein. Set up other Officers and Offices, as if in open contempt and defiance of his Authority; of which it may righteously be faid, He did at no time command them, neither did it ever enter into his heart, foto do.

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5.That thefe Officers be chofen by the common Suffrage of the Church of Chrift, and folemnly fet apart by Fafting and Prayer, this is evidently comprized in the enfuing Scriptures, Acts 1. 15. and 6. 1, 2, 3, 5. and 14. 23. and 1.23, 26. and 9.26, 27. In conformity whereunto,we find the Saints for many centuries of years after Chrift, in the peaceable poffeffion of this their Priviledge and Right.

Clemens in his Epiftle to the Church of Corinth, p. 57. faith, Our. Apostles alfo knew by our Lord Jefus Chrift, that contention will be about the name of Epifcopal-Charge: Therefore for this reafon, having received a full predetermination, they constituted fuch as were forenominated, and in their inftructive diftribution delivered; that if they were negligent, other aproved men should receive their miniftration being ordained by them, or in the mean time by other choice men, all the Church confenting thereunto. Yea afterwards,

Let fome one among you, Ingenious, Merciful, filled with Love, speak, if,

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